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Dante Jacoby #1

Be Somebody: A Dante Jacoby Thriller

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FROM MILLION COPY BESTSELLER MATT ROGERS COMES A MIND-BENDING NEW SERIES Dante Jacoby is a slave to the trappings of the modern world. Twenty-six years old and hopelessly addicted to booze, cigarettes, and procrastination, he’s squandered every ounce of his potential. His corporate raider father, Dorian, reaches the end of his tether and cuts Dante off as heir to the Jacoby family fortune. His mother, Fiona, is smarter than her she hasn’t spoken to Dante in months. But Dante’s no victim. He knows he brought this on himself. Dragged to the gym by a well-intentioned friend in a last-ditch attempt to get him in gear, Dante is used as a guinea pig for a new state-of-the-art machine. He couldn’t care less about “Flash Reflex Training,” but does what he’s told, and heads home to drink himself into oblivion. Hours later he’s on the run, hunted ruthlessly by mercenaries, kept alive by a CIA spook who reveals he tested close to the fastest reaction speed on earth. Square in the crosshairs of foreign agents who don’t want the government utilising his genetic talents, he finds himself sucked into the brutal world of covert operations. At least, that’s what he thinks. It doesn’t take long to stumble upon a deeper conspiracy and discover nothing is what it seemed… Praise for Matt ★★★★★ - “To me, Rogers is a legend in this genre. Technically sound and superbly edited. I'll keep reading as long as Matt Rogers keeps writing!” ★★★★★ - “All of these books I seem to read in one day. There's a reason why.” ★★★★★ - “Just when I think it can't get better, it does.” ★★★★★ - “The only time the fast paced action slows even slightly, it’s to deliver heavy philosophy on how to survive minute-to-minute deadly events. Lots of fun to read.” ★★★★★ - “The only problem is that it's over way too soon. Keep 'em coming. ” ★★★★★ - “You know you love a series when you hope it’s made into a movie.” ★★★★★ - “Another great story from Matt Rogers. I have read them all (some three times) and I have yet to be disappointed.” ★★★★★ - “Even when you expect something will happen, it's rarely how you think. Perfect amount of detail.” ★★★★★ - “Matt Rogers has what seems an unlimited well of talent! ”

366 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 21, 2022

406 people are currently reading
175 people want to read

About the author

Matt Rogers

61 books197 followers
Million-copy bestseller Matt Rogers is a prolific thriller author intent on blurring the lines between hard-hitting action and mind-bending philosophy. An avid runner and mountain trekker, he leans on real world experience to craft edge-of-your-seat thrill rides with staggering plot twists. His breakout novel, BE SOMEBODY, was lauded by IndieReader industry professionals, who praised the "impeccable writing" and "air-tight plot construction." Dive into the Dante Jacoby Series to see what all the fuss is about.

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5 stars
857 (55%)
4 stars
501 (32%)
3 stars
126 (8%)
2 stars
33 (2%)
1 star
14 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
Profile Image for Michele Ward-moore.
37 reviews2 followers
May 13, 2022
Whoa, quick read!

This is the first book that I've read in a long time, that I didn't want to put down. I couldn't stop reading, because I just had to know how everything was connected. There was no way Dante was going to be a superstar. And, boom Matt Rogers makes Dante a superstar in the most logical and the coolest way. I can't believe I have to wait for Book 2! I guess I'll try another one of Matt Rogers' series while I wait.
62 reviews1 follower
April 30, 2022
Another enjoyable Read from Matt👍🏻👍🏻

Having been a fan and read all the King and Slater series…..it was a no brained to read this new character from Matt Rogers..,,

Overall an enjoyable read, sets the scene and creates a reasonable plot……

But to be totally honest it’s a variation on the “King & Slater” theme……training, fast twitch reactions, cortisol build up, hyper fast reflexes…..etc

Different back story for sure without spoilers…..so all in all
An entertaining and fast paced, action packed read…….with a level of predictably…will definitely stay tuned as to the next instalment 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
8 reviews1 follower
May 3, 2022
Will and Jason look out

A book that you can't put down. The best part is that you won't figure this one out and the twists keep you tied to this story. I don't want to give anything away. Too good to end and waiting for the sequel. You'll love this one for sure.





Profile Image for Mariam.
12 reviews2 followers
June 5, 2023
Be Somebody by Matt Rogers is an action packed thriller that keeps you hooked from start to finish. Rogers found a way to bring this story, and the main character, Dante, to life in interesting ways. Dante is written in a way that has you relating to him, rooting for him, and wanting to see his character develop and grow throughout the book. Rogers keeps you invested in Dante's transformation. The ending was especially satisfying, as everything tied back together in wholesome and rewarding ways.
258 reviews3 followers
September 20, 2022
Personally I found it slow, and boring. So much so that after 8 chapters I gave up and returned it to Kindle Unlimited unfinished.

Simply not up to my personal standards.

No Recommendation either way. If it appeals to you, then by all means give it a try.
6 reviews
December 10, 2023
Looking for next book in series

I liked this read, it reminds me of a series I read many years ago called The Destroyer. Very similar story line, looking forward to seeing where this series goes.
Profile Image for Adrian Gonzales.
Author 3 books6 followers
April 29, 2022
Well, Holy Crap

What a freaking story that was. Such a deep web of events and timeliness. All supported by action and adrenaline. That was a marvel of a story. Mr. Rogers has reached a new level. I have read every book of his. This one is his pinnacle as an author, so far. I know he will just get better and better. I am do excited for this series. I love King and Slater, but Jacoby could be the next level. Let's hope so.
31 reviews2 followers
April 23, 2022
I am a fan of Matt Rogers and have really enjoyed his King and Slater novels. There is always a worry when an author starts a new series that his new characters will lack something or the elements of enjoyment found in a current series are sadly missing in the new one.

There should be no fear with Dante Jacoby. Rogers has created a believable science fiction hero and placed him in a current setting. There is no mumble jumble type sci-fi language to create the character but a focus on more advanced and cutting edge science of what is already possible.

The story builds up in well plotted layers and has enough about it to engage the reader.

I look forward to reading more in the future.
Profile Image for Sam.
256 reviews5 followers
November 6, 2022
Matt Rogers first Dante Jacoby novel has a good storyline but is very slow in the beginning. The first 13 chapters could be boiled down to 3 chapters and not miss any background details. The rest of the novel is fast paced with some exciting action. Will read the second and hope his wordiness disappears.
158 reviews5 followers
July 3, 2023
Unleashing the thrills: Dante Jacoby as a riveting danger rider

Be Somebody: A Dante Jacoby Thriller by Matt Rogers is a pulse-pounding and adrenaline-fueled tale from beginning to end. This gripping novel introduces readers to Dante Jacoby, a compelling modern-world protagonist who finds himself caught in a web of danger, conspiracy, and suspense. The author weaves a complex and intricately plotted thriller, delivering a captivating story filled with twists, turns, and high-stakes action.

One of the book's notable strengths lies in the craftmanship poured into Dante Jacoby's booze-driven, smoking machine, professional procrastinator character. That is to say, a multifaceted and relatable protagonist, complete with strengths, flaws, and a compelling backstory. Rogers excels at creating an intriguing plot, a complex fictional environment, which adds depth and complexity to the narrative.

Rogers' writing style is fast-paced, with tight and cinematic prose that propels the story forward. The author skillfully blends suspense, action, and moments of introspection, creating a well-balanced story that keeps readers engaged and guessing at every turn. The novel is filled with sharp dialogue, atmospheric settings, and relentless pacing, all the ingredients of a page-turner.

Be Somebody is an enthralling and gripping novel that delivers heart-pounding suspense, profound conspiracies, and exhilarating action. Rogers' mastery of storytelling, his skilful writing and his relentless momentum, throughout the novel, have established him as one of the most talented authors in the genre. A must-read for thriller-seekers.
Profile Image for Manik and Sayee |favbookshelf.
176 reviews27 followers
June 28, 2023
Matt Rogers' Be Somebody: A Dante Jacoby Thriller is the first book of the Dante Jacoby series of five books. Well-crafted characters and the deliberately structured plot hold the reader's attention till the very last page. Rogers has perfected this thriller packing them with action and raw emotions.

Dante Jacoby a twenty-six-year-old addict who has been sheltered by his parents from the workings of the real world all his life. Getting used to being the failure he is, he courses through life in a mundane drunk spirit until one day, his friend, Amber, forces him to try out the new gym where she would be working as a trainer. He's indulged in trying out a new reflex machine. Little did he know this small reflex test would be the ultimate game-changer in his life. Dante's life turns upside down, leading to new secrets being uncovered, meeting new people, and doing things he never thought he would be even remotely capable of doing. At the same time, we clutch onto the bare minimum space left on the edge of our seats. Rogers has used simple but effective metaphors to enhance the reader's understanding of abstract emotions. His plot twists in every nook and corner as we near the end of the book really flabbergast one's mind. Dante is a very relatable character who is portrayed with utmost earnestness. He is how we feel when we are in a state of procrastination and utterly frustrated with ourselves. He embodies the insecurities one develops and the helplessness of how one thinks despite acknowledging it. Dante Jacoby's first book does not let you stop there; it leaves you craving for more. True to its function, this book lays the foundation for the development of the later series with a gradual introduction to the story and characters involved.
230 reviews12 followers
June 24, 2023
This book was a wild ride! Once started, I just could not keep it down. The thrill, excitement, and intriguing situations kept me hooked from beginning to end. Without a doubt, "Be Somebody" is a remarkable novel that skillfully weaves a captivating narrative, leaving readers on the edge of their seats.

The story is not only well-constructed but also brilliantly presented. The author masterfully brings the characters to life, seamlessly blending their personalities and motivations into the intricate plot. Dante Jacoby, the protagonist, is a complex and deeply flawed individual, yet his journey of self-discovery and redemption resonated with me on a profound level.

Moreover, the author's attention to detail is commendable. The vivid descriptions effortlessly transported me into the world of Dante, allowing me to visualize the settings and experience the adrenaline-pumping action alongside the characters. The setting was just so much absorbing. As the layers of the story unraveled, I found myself captivated by the twists and turns that exposed a deeper conspiracy. The author expertly keeps readers guessing, skillfully revealing that nothing is as it initially seemed. Each revelation adds another layer of complexity to the narrative, leaving me constantly intrigued and hungry for more.

Overall, I loved the book and highly recommend this to everyone who loves a good thriller once in a while. Much gratitude to the author for writing such a commendable piece of literature.

Thank you
Regards
Profile Image for Neicy.
44 reviews
May 31, 2023
"Be Somebody" is an absolute page-turner that kept me hooked from beginning to end. Even in the midst of exhaustion, with tired eyes and a burning desire to sleep, I couldn't put it down. And let me tell you, I have no regrets about staying up all night. Matt Rogers has truly brought this book to life in a remarkable way.

The protagonist, Dante, is a well-written character who feels completely fleshed out and relatable. We've all experienced some of the things Dante goes through, but his experiences take it to a whole new level. I found myself fully immersed in his journey, eagerly following his transformation and the shocking revelations that followed. There was never a dull moment, and I was constantly surprised and thrilled by the twists and turns the story took.

One of the aspects I appreciated the most was how satisfying the ending was. It tied up loose ends and left me feeling content, yet still eager for more. It's safe to say that I'll be diving into the rest of this series without hesitation.

I recommend "Be Somebody" to anyone who enjoys action-packed thrillers with a touch of brilliance in the writing. The characters are perfectly flawed and relatable, making it impossible not to root for their success. If you're looking for a well-crafted book that keeps you on the edge of your seat, this is the one for you.
Profile Image for Lisa Hernandez.
210 reviews3 followers
February 6, 2023
Solid 3-star action, adventure … interesting series starter to from what I can tell will be a terrific series. Enter Dante, wastrel, alcoholic, unemployed son of wealthy parents living on rum & nicotine in San Francisco. Then enter a wild night of shocking revelations & brutal violence ending in a death of a mysterious man who jumps in to push Dante on a crazy path of self discovery & self discipline to hone some long forgotten or ignored skills.
With action & surprise that moves like a Bourne novel (or maybe the movies, actually) Dante’s story progresses & winds along a 7 month path of physical & mental preparation which winds up throwing him into a long fought battle between forces he’d never even knew existed.
Taut & entertaining, the story moves fast & Dante’s ‘training’ is marked by a series of exercises & routines designed to help push him past his own crippling anxiety & fear.
An interesting balance between self actualization & brainwashing super soldier training, the process is straightforward & leads Dante back to where it all started & doubtless into many other adventures.
Profile Image for Meghan.
2,469 reviews
May 31, 2023
From getting cut off from the family heir to joining "special ops" to prove himself worthy, Dante Jacoby conquers the ultimate test in Be Somebody by Matt Rogers. The plot is similar to an action-quest-like book in which there is a deterrent to receiving the ultimate reward. Dante Jacoby was being cut off from the family fortune and pushed by his friend to embark on the most arduous operation of his life. While reading, I was expecting a significant twist and was overjoyed to receive the ultimate plot twist. With all the current political scandals, I admire Matt Rogers's writing approach to incorporating conspiracies into the plot. The heart-pounding, jaw-dropping, action-packed scenes in Be Somebody made me drop my Kindle to the floor and almost break from the impact. I am eager to read the next book in the Dante Jacoby series.

Dante's admirable strength, unbreakable physical and mental endurance, and courage demonstrated while serving in the Special Ops amazed and inspired those to do the unthinkable. Be Somebody deserves a perfect 5-star rating.
115 reviews7 followers
June 5, 2023
Thrilling Page-Turner

It's been a while since I've had a book place me completely under its spell. That's what Matt Roger's "Be Somebody" did. Starting this book, I didn't know what to expect, but it's been hard to put down ever since I started reading it.

The book is generally well-paced, although it was a bit slow in the beginning as the author takes the time to introduce Dante and his background. I loved that the protagonist has a very relatable background, and that just made me fall in love with the character even more. I could see a little bit of myself in him and in the personal struggles he faces.

Dante isn't your typical macho hero; he's just a regular guy with a little bit of an edge. The plot kept me glued throughout, and I'm now invested. I would love to follow the rest of Dante's story in subsequent books. This is the first Matt Rogers book I'm reading, and I've become a fan.
Profile Image for Catie.
49 reviews5 followers
May 27, 2023
Very unexpected! I picked up this book based on some of the reviews. Although this book had all the hallmarks of “guy fiction” (lots of description of violence, like, how a jaw sounds when it breaks, lots of suspense similar to David Baldacci), and this is not generally my genre of choice, I really ended up enjoying this book.

The story was a little bit slow to get started and spent a lot of time setting up the main character (Dante Jacoby) so that the reader could really get an understanding of the transformation that took place. Once the killing started though, the plot picked up and I couldn’t put it down. I really enjoyed the plot twists and thought the whole thing was cleverly developed. I am looking forward to reading the next one in the series.
Profile Image for Stephanie Blatz.
477 reviews1 follower
May 23, 2022
Amazing!

Fascinating story! Dante’s evolution was incredible. In the beginning he seemed untouchable by any sort of basic human desire for anything, not a lick of motivation either. Plagued by insecurities and anxiety he’d resigned himself to slowly dying from alcoholism. But after his only friend harasses him into going to a new gym where he ends up tested by a state of the art machine and tipping off some interesting and dangerous people to his VAST untapped potential… his life is turned upside down. And he is set on a path that changes his life into something he NEVER imagined.
60 reviews2 followers
June 30, 2022
Unexpected

I admit I didn't read the reviews before I started the novel. Doesn't matter. One of my top thrillers this year. Take an anxiety ridden substance abusing slacker, a mysterious stranger, and a trip to Nepal and turn it into one heck of a new series. I loved that Dante's transition took a much different and deeper path than Rapp's American Assassin one. The action was often, fast and furious but the transition and turmoil the Dante faced was what kicked this up a notch above most thrillers. Some nice twists and turns at the end brought a closure to this story and set up the thrillers to come. Well done.
98 reviews1 follower
December 12, 2022
Be somebody

I almost did not go forward with the book and even went back to the reviews to maybe get a glimpse of what I was missing. About a quarter through I started getting more involved. Even though I finished the book and it was good so don’t think I’m downing the book it’s just I felt like a book I’m not sure that I want to read more of. I guess maybe I’m older and it reminds you of what the future could be like and I want nothing to do with it. It is also sad how it ends.
216 reviews3 followers
June 1, 2023
Amazing!

Matt Roger's manages to weave suspense, mystery, and action into Be Somebody, while at the same time telling the story of Dante Jacoby, who overcomes his biggest obstacle, himself. The story inspires the reader to take action in their own lives by imparting the message that people really can change. In addition, the author touches on the long-term effects of ethical choices people make.
If you like intrigue and unpredictable plots, you will love this book. I can't wait to read the next volume in the series.
136 reviews9 followers
June 2, 2023
Pulse-pounding Book I. Dante Jacoby is a kick-butt action star. Rogers has brought to life a story line that will keep you up all night. I don't want to give away the plot, but there are some unexpected twists. The ending, however; will surprise you. This is a well-constructed story with phenomenal character development. This thriller is a must-read for those who like to vicariously live on the edge!
717 reviews2 followers
July 7, 2024
Oh so slow

First off, stick with it. It takes forever to get going, the first 40% of the book is scene setting. A lot of it. If you can get past that, then things improve significantly.
If you have read any of Rogers previous books you'll see the similarities very quickly, the difference this time is the starting point. A complete loser
The 2nd half of the book is 4*, it's a pity the first bit is so slow
367 reviews3 followers
December 7, 2024
maybe deserves 2nd star for some good lines about addiction... but in the end it was just a Wanted(McVoy&Jolie) ripoff without a training montage or any sort of interesting explanation. I assume that was the heavy handed way to make reader care to continue with story, but i for one dont care in the slightest.

The Wanted comparison is not spoiler because it is not that, at least so far... but that is all i was picturing as i made myself finish it.
194 reviews
February 13, 2023
Action packed, intelligent book.

Rogers has hit it out of the park. This book is so different yet still similar to his other books. Fast paced, action packed but with a real message and moral compass to the story. Dante is a great character who really has to deal with some big issues and inner turmoil. Great book
Profile Image for Kramer Thompson.
306 reviews31 followers
May 15, 2025
Obviously this book wasn't written for me. Most of the complaints I see here are that the first part was too slow, but I probably preferred that part to the rest. I would have been happier spending more time dealing with Dante's NEET glow up because after he transforms from complete loser to unstoppable killing machine, everything felt a bit silly.
5 reviews
May 1, 2022
Oh my god! Brilliant!

I'd recommend this book to everybody. I'm a big Slater and King fan, and I always will be. But I've got a new dude to follow. Matt you are amazing! Can't wait for #2!
4 reviews1 follower
May 8, 2022
An excellent read.

Great action, fast paced, very good character development. I started this book on a Friday afternoon and finished the next day. This was my first Matt Rodgers book, with many more in my future.
Profile Image for Cody .
493 reviews4 followers
May 13, 2022
Surprisingly good

There were no reviews on this book. I thought the premise was interesting.
It turned out to be a great call. Very different than any story I've read. And I didn't see the finale coming.
Highly recommended!
Profile Image for Thomas James.
578 reviews12 followers
May 28, 2022
The obstacle in your path becomes the path.

A different kind of story that keeps you coming back for more and just as you do the story twists to a direction you never imagined and would not have expected.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews

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